It’s Illegal in Idaho to Warm Up Your Car in Your Own Driveway

With frigid temps across the Treasure Valley, some people are choosing to warm up their vehicles before they have to jump in and head to work. Let's be honest, going from the warm house to your toasty car is much more appealing than shivering until you hit the highway. Or, how about leaving the car on to defrost the windshield?

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, more than 500 vehicles in Idaho were stolen between 2013 and 2015, just because the keys were left in the car. Nearly 200 of those were in Boise.

Not only is there a risk of having your car stolen while letting it warm up before you get in, you are actually breaking the law! It is illegal in the state of Idaho to leave your car running while unattended! (This doesn't count for cars that have a remote start.)

The Idaho Code 49-602 states: No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key from the ignition, effectively setting the parking brake and, when standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway.

If an officer feels that it could pose a danger, they do have the right to issue a citation. Who knew?!